Long Distance Move Across Canada: Protecting Your Art Investments

Packing Art – Part 2

Sculptures and non-wall art can be difficult items to transport during your long distance move across Canada. Depending on how fragile your piece is and what it is made of, there are a couple of different ways that you can protect your investment during a long distance move across Canada. While packing any sculptures or irregular artwork in preparation for your long distance move across Canada may seem difficult, there are two common ways to pack them.

As mentioned in Part 1 of How to Pack Art Work, before you begin your packing process, take stock of what needs to be packed and have the required materials on hand. This will prevent multiple trips to the store for supplies and help you avoid making do with what is on hand. In the same way that newspaper and paper towels can affect a painting, it can certainly affect and damage sculptures. It is important that you have the suggested packing materials in preparation for your long distance move across Canada.

Packing sculptures in a box

First, assess the size of your sculpture and determine the materials required. If you are planning to double or triple box your sculpture for added security, be sure to allow for space between the boxes when nested for the addition of packing materials such as foam peanuts and/or paper shreds to secure the boxes for transport. The last thing you want for your long distance move across Canada, is to have smaller boxes shift around during transport.

Step 1

Wrap the sculpture in a layer of acid free tissue paper and secure with acid free tape, being careful not to apply the tape directly to your sculpture.

Step 2

Next, with the bubble side out, wrap with bubble wrap and secure with tape, ensuring that all areas are covered. You can always add a couple layers of bubble wrap, which can just add an extra layer of protection for the piece.

Step 3

If your sculpture is small enough to transport within a box, take your smallest box that you have already sized and fill the bottom of the box with your preferred packing material. Set the sculpture on top of this layer. You will want the packing material to be dense enough to hold your sculpture in place and minimize contact with the sides of the box. Cover the sculpture with more packing material and seal the box with tape.

Step 4

If you are using nested boxes, proceed to fill the bottom of your second box with packing material. Set the box with your sculpture inside and fill in the gaps with more packing material, again sealing with tape. Repeat this step as many times as you feel necessary depending on the sculpture and its fragility.

Step 5

Make sure to label the box! While it is important to label every box for your long distance move across Canada, cartons containing fragile items should be marked fragile. It lets your movers know that the items contained in the box are fragile, and can load accordingly. Make sure to also mark on the carton which side is up. The more information that you include on the carton, the more advantageous it is to you, and once again allows your movers to load the truck accordingly.

Too big or too heavy for a box

While some sculptures may be too big to fit into a box, others are too heavy. Even though your sculpture may be small enough to be transported in a box, that may not be the best idea. The last thing anyone would want would be to have a sculpture that is too heavy for a carton fall out of the bottom of the box. Not only will that damage the sculpture, but it could also injure the person carrying it. If you have a sculpture that is quite heavy or quite large, make sure to talk to your sales representative about crating options. It is important to denote that crates are a more expensive option, but they are made to carry heavier weights, but they can also provide more protection during transport. They are also more durable and robust than cartons. All your sales representative would need would be the dimensions of the piece, and then can build a custom crate accordingly.

Have your movers pack it

If you don’t feel comfortable packing up your statue either in a box or a crate, you can always talk to your sales representative about having your movers pack the sculptures or statues. Most reputable movers offer a partial packing service, and can pack anywhere from a few cartons to your whole residence. Make sure to talk to your movers to see what they can do for you!

If goes without saying that sculptures or statues can be a significant investment. For your long distance move across Canada, it is imperative to ensure that they are packed appropriately. Not only can sculptures and statues be expensive to fix, but it can also be difficult finding someone who is reputable or able to restore them to their original state.

If you are planning an upcoming long distance move across Canada, make sure to give Quick Transfer a call. Quick Transfer offers a myriad of services that are custom tailored to your needs. Whether you need help with all your packing, only a few fragile items, or prefer to pack everything yourself, Quick Transfer can tailor a moving solution for you. With our affiliation with United Van Lines, one of the largest van lines in the world, we can ensure quality moving services to anywhere from anywhere. Make sure to give us a call for your upcoming move!